The measurement of (dis-)embedded identification

This article introduces and examines novel measures for generally applicable and insightful forms of collective identification, namely embedded identification and dis-embedded identification, which describe specific constellations of identification with a subordinate ingroup and the respective superordinate (in)group. The measure development process was guided by social identity theory and self-categorization theory, by items employed in previous research, and by empirical research addressing or containing measures of collective identification. In two samples, the young generation in Germany and Muslims in England, the measures showed no problematic characteristics, decent reliability, decent corrected item-total correlations, basic construct validity, as well as metric invariance across both samples. The presented findings hold implications for further research, as the measures provide a reliable and valid option to measure novel forms of collective identification of major interest and relevance for the comprehension of intergroup processes and conflicts in modern and plural societies. Detailed information is provided to enable replication, further use, and further development of the presented measures.